Cleveland Clinic - Lung Transplant - Med Retirement

[Guest guest]

Good Morning to All,

Long subject line!

You really don't know me but I know most of you through your e-mails. Like many people I have been lurking for quite awhile reading for info and just not wanting to show my ignorance. Let me begin with the same story that I have read over and over again:

Ellen – in Sept 2008 seemed to just run out of breath walking to my car after work one day. Ended up in the ER and after nine days in the hospital and every test that seemed possible/a Bronch and was dx with Sarcoidosis. I was treated with Pred of course/oxy 24/7. Seemed to get a little better at first but as soon as they took me down on Pred I went down hill fast and never returned…Ended up with a wonderful pulm from OSU. Ended up in the OSU ER and Hosp for another two weeks. After all the testing/biopsies etc it was determined that I have PF and NOT Sarc…They have no idea, after many, many blood tests, what is causing the inflammation and in fact as of three weeks ago I am getting worse. I am now going to Cleveland Clinic for testing and interviews for a lung transplant. They have been in contact with me and gave me some hope, and told me to call my insurance concerning the cost of, lodging, transportation (I live more than one hr away from Cleveland), and post prescriptions. I did, the answers I received was – no – no – yes. That all being said or possibly repeated, I apologize if I repeated anything, I have some questions, especially after reading the e-mails concerning the Lung Center in PA.

Ø Is anyone familiar with the Cleveland Clinic? (I have been to the site and just see general info)

Ø Does anyone have any idea what a charter flight would cost? I can only imagine

Ø I see in PA they have places for people to stay before/after transplant – I am assuming Cleveland has that also.

Ø Is there anyone who has had to put in for medical retirement from the DoD? I am in the process of this as of three weeks ago. Very painful

Ø I am 60 therefore have to go the med retirement and then SS. Does medicare help w/transplants?

Of course I may not even make the list. I hope so.

Any suggestions, advice, help, ideas would be greatly appreciated. Ok now I am actually going to send this.....

Best Regards

ellen